Word
immobility
Phoneticsim·mo·bil·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪmoʊˈbɪɫɪti/
UK/ɪmˌəʊbˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the state of not being able to move or being kept still. You use this word when talking about someone who cannot move their body or something that is fixed in place.
n. the state or condition of being unable to move or be moved. Often used in medical or technical contexts to describe physical paralysis or the lack of social or economic movement.
Examples
“The doctor warned that long periods of immobility can cause health problems.”
“After the surgery, the patient suffered from temporary immobility in his left leg while the muscles healed.”
“The sudden immobility of the markets during the crisis left many investors unable to liquidate their assets before the prices plummeted further.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor warned that long periods of immobility can cause health problems.”
contextual
“After the surgery, the patient suffered from temporary immobility in his left leg while the muscles healed.”
complex
“The sudden immobility of the markets during the crisis left many investors unable to liquidate their assets before the prices plummeted further.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “immobility” in context.
Verb
01. cause immobility
“Severe arthritis can cause significant immobility in the joints.”
verb + noun
02. immobility results from
“In many cases, immobility results from a lack of proper physical therapy.”
noun + verb + prep
03. immobility sets in
“Once rigor mortis or immobility sets in, the muscles become extremely stiff.”
noun + verb
04. induce immobility
“Certain toxins are designed to induce immobility in the nervous system.”
verb + noun
05. overcome immobility
“Rehabilitation is essential to help the victim overcome immobility.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. absolute immobility
“The predator remained in a state of absolute immobility, waiting for its prey.”
adj + noun
07. forced immobility
“The patient struggled with the psychological effects of forced immobility after the accident.”
adj + noun
08. physical immobility
“The therapy aims to help patients overcome physical immobility caused by stroke.”
adj + noun
09. prolonged immobility
“Prolonged immobility during long-haul flights increases the risk of blood clots.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. period of immobility
“After a long period of immobility, you should stretch your legs gradually.”
noun + prep + noun
11. lead to total immobility
“If left untreated, the condition can lead to total immobility of the limbs.”
12. reduce the risk of immobility
“Regular exercise is the best way to reduce the risk of immobility in old age.”
Usage
Typically used as an uncountable abstract noun; when used in a medical context, it often follows prepositions like 'of' or 'from'.
Real-World Examples
“Moderate exercise, and a regular intake of oily fish fatty acids, keeps elderly immobility at bay, a study suggests.” “The WHO highlighted that individuals who are tall and find their legs confined in economy class, as well as shorter individuals whose feet may not reach the ground, are particularly at risk for dangerous blood clots associated with prolonged immobility during travel.” “Prolonged immobility, whether due to work or travel, accounted for nearly half of the observed cases.” “Mrs Connor said that abuse was a "significant cause" for her immobility.” Etymology
From Middle French immobilité, itself from immobile + -ité, the suffix of state or condition. The word entered English with the meaning already formed: the quality of being fixed, motionless, or unable to move.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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